The protea It is a genus of plants that develop a unique and characteristic flower. Even though are not recommended for beginners nor suitable for all climates some peculiarities, you will surely fall in love.
By following the care and recommendations that you will see below, you can enjoy this beautiful shrub at home. Find out everything you need to know about one of the oldest flowers on the planet. Are you going to lose it?
Contents
Main features of Protea
At this point you will be able to know the main characteristics of the genus of Proteas. In this way, you will better understand the type of care they need and by following the cultivation instructions, you can always enjoy very healthy plants.
read more: tips for storing cut flowers
taxonomy
| Kingdom | plant |
| Division | magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsid |
| Order | proteins |
| Family | Proteaceae |
| Genre | protea |
protea they are from south africa, but different variants can also be found in Australia and South America. Similarly, about 92% of Proteas species are found only in the Cape Floristic Region.
These plants are well known for their beautiful and unusual flowers, They seem to come out of a mythological legend.
In addition they are large size and tubular shapesome can reach 30 centimeters wide. The flowers are surrounded by extraordinary bracts that have a wide range of colors, from bright red through orange to a more pastel pink and even cream or white.
This great variety of shades and variations explains the name of this plant, which was named in honor of Prote. A god who could transformchanging shape when he wanted to.
Depending on the species, Proteas can vary in height, being small 35 cm bushes or low trees They can reach 2 meters or more. It is a perennial plant that blooms several times a year.
Many animals such as birds or insects are attracted by the sweet nectar of this flower which is also very high in sugar. Most Protea flowers grow in young plants up to 5 years oldHowever, some older plants may also flower.
Its leaves are distributed in a spiral around the stem, round or oval in shape. They can be of different shades: light green, dark green, grayish green or bluish green.
read more: 7 flowering houseplants to enjoy at home
Necessary care of plant genus Protea
location and temperature
The culture of plant genus Protea depending on the area, it can be more or less demanding. While it’s important for you to know that growing it takes time, it’s a good idea to plan ahead before you get to work.
These are plants that will need rather warm temperatures who are among the 20ºC and 25ºC. They do not tolerate cold and frost very well, so as far as possible in winter it is better to protect them.
In addition, to develop properly, they must be located in areas exposed to direct sunlight where they receive at least 6 hours of light per day. Plant it in a sunny spot where good air circulationdon’t worry about the wind as they love windy areas.
Substrate
With respect to soil, Protea is a genus that can be a bit demanding. But don’t worry, despite their reputation for being picky, with all the recommendations you’ll find throughout the article, you’ll see how they thrive in your garden or balcony.
If you want these flowers to show off in all their glory, you’ll have to make it easy for them. get good nutrients. It can grow in different types of soil: acid, sandy or rocky, in all cases it must be a well-drained soil.
read more: types of substrates you can buy
Although it can be said that the best substrate for these plants is one that has a more acidic pH and have a mulch.
leaves, peat and sand in abundance. It is the cocktail of nutrients that will allow the spectacular flowers of the Protea to develop.
If you need to acidify the soil, you can try using the pine bark and needleswhich will make your job easier.
protea irrigation
As we have commented before, it is important that the soil in which they are have very good drainage as they need high humidity to be able to absorb nutrients properly but without flooding so that the roots do not rot.
During the first two years after planting, it is essential that the water thoroughly once a week. Once established, these are plants that they tolerate dry spells quite well.
Water without excess so as not to soak the soil, and if you have planted it in a pot, do not leave the saucer below.
Cut
To help your Proteas grow healthy and strong, you will need to prune the tips of young plants after the first six months or one year after planting. Usually this will be in spring until late summer.
Protea cynaroides: features and care
In all species and varieties of this genus we wish to enter into a little detail in the Protea cynaroides which is one of the best known. It is also commonly called king protea That is giant protea.
The stems of this evergreen shrub are reddish-brown, from which dark green glossy leaves grow. Its flowers are pearly pink with bracts also in a pinkish tone. It is also a plant very resistant to drought and fires.
If you want an example of Protea cynaroidesbelow we give you some small tips so that you can give it the best care and enjoy its spectacular flower.
The ideal is that you have it outside in an area that will give it directly the sun. And if you have it in a pot, in cold weather like winter, bring it inside and place it in a brightly lit room.
Regarding the substrate, if you plan to plant it in the garden, remember that it must be a soil that drains very well. While if you have it in a pot, it is advisable to mix mulch with perlite in equal parts to give it more nutrients.
As for watering it, about 2 to 3 times a week during the summer and a little less the rest of the year will be perfect.
As you have seen, Proteas are plants. whose flower leaves no one indifferent and can make your garden or patio unique.